A new, comprehensive Study by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) confirmed: Artificial turf pitches using infill granules made from recycled tyres („crumb rubber“) do not pose a significant health risk to users. This finding is particularly significant, as California is regarded worldwide as one of the regions with the strictest environmental and health regulations. This marks yet another prestigious scientific study confirming the safety of products made from recycled tyres in practical use.
One of the most comprehensive studies in the world
The study examined 35 artificial turf pitches in various climatic regions of California. Researchers analysed both air samples taken above the pitches and samples of the rubber granules themselves. A total of 179 different chemical substances were examined and assessed for potential exposure via inhalation, skin contact and ingestion. The key findings of the American study:
- No significant acute health risks for players, coaches, referees or spectators
- No relevant long-term health risks associated with the measured concentrations of these substances
- Very low cancer risks, on average below the threshold of one additional case per million people over a lifetime
A signal for the mechanical recycling of tyres
The findings have implications beyond the world of sport. Crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres and is an important secondary raw material for a wide range of applications – from sports flooring and safety surfacing to asphalt modification.
If no significant health risks are identified even with intensive use on sports pitches, this sends a strong signal that the use of recycled tyre materials is generally safe for health.
Products made from tyres by European and US manufacturers, which are subject to strict chemical and product safety regulations, have once again demonstrated their safety in use.
Recycling as a cornerstone of a functioning circular economy
The study also highlights the fundamental importance of mechanical tyre recycling. Climate-friendly mechanical tyre recycling produces valuable secondary raw materials that can be used in the manufacture of numerous high-quality, durable products for a wide range of industries and applications.
For the NEW LIFE initiative, this is yet another example of what a functioning circular economy can look like: keeping tyres on the road for as long as possible and then keeping their raw materials in the cycle through climate-friendly recovery. Secondary raw materials such as tyre rubber granulate demonstrate that recycled materials are not only environmentally sound, but also safe and high-performance.